What type of winch cable to buy

[Dagoose]

So I need a new winch cable. My old steel cable one has a couple of splits in it, so I really don't think it's a good idea to keep it.

I was looking on Northridge 4X4 and found a couple of different options on the synthetic line. What would you go for?

This will be going on my Ramsey 8000 lb winch.

-5/16 or 3/8
-I've heard the longer the length the better. I might as well get a longer cable now and not regret it later.
-Hook type: "premium hook", sling hook, or 3/4 Shackle.
-10' line protector or none. I really don't know about this one, is it worth it for $12?
-Thimble eye: standard eye, winch safety thimble eye, crush proof thimble eye, or stainless steel. This is another option I'm not sure about. The winch safety eye is an extra $40.

Thanks

[w squared]

On an 8000 pound winch, a 5/16 should be fine.

I run a safety thimble that doesn't actually have a hook.



The thimble stays on the end of the line, and you just slide the pin of your favourite shackle through. It's nice and light, and you can pull it tight up to your fairlead without any chance of it getting pulled through or damaging your nice aluminum fairlead.


Just make sure that you replace your fairlead and snatch block when you go from steel to synthetic cable. A fairlead or sntach block that has been gouged by a steel cable will do nasty things to your nice new synthetic line.

[Eagle Jeeper]

 I have heard that synthetic line is a little sensitive to mud as well.  That if you get it muddy you have to pull it out and wash it when you get home or the life span my be affected,  therefore cable was a better choice for the types of wheelin we have around here.

Just what I heard it may be a rumour.

[Waytec]

I have heard that synthetic line is a little sensitive to mud as well.  That if you get it muddy you have to pull it out and wash it when you get home or the life span my be affected,  therefore cable was a better choice for the types of wheelin we have around here.

Just what I heard it may be a rumour.

That is true to an existent, mud and dust are abrasive and therefore wear on the road reducing its life.
Synthetic rope is so easy to take off, it will fall off like yarn, swish in warm water in the bath tub, hang it anywhere to dry and then rewrap it buy yourself.
The rope will not coil like wire rope will.

[w squared]

That is true to an existent, mud and dust are abrasive and therefore wear on the road reducing its life.
Synthetic rope is so easy to take off, it will fall off like yarn, swish in warm water in the bath tub, hang it anywhere to dry and then rewrap it buy yourself.
The rope will not coil like wire rope will.

That's exactly right. Just don't start using harsh soaps or cleaners. Just warm water will do the job...or a little bit of the mildest soap you can find. "Ivory Snow" is a brand of soap that I have seen reccomended for use on rescue ropes, so it is probably good to go for use on winch line.

Then again, if you start using soap on your winch line, you might as well buy a Hummer.

[Dagoose]

Thanks for advice everyone. I never thought about the fairleads. I'll do some more research on cleaning the cable.

[FiEND]

i use belt dressing on my synthetic, helps it unspool without squealing.

[Vinman]

i use belt dressing on my synthetic, helps it unspool without squealing.

Why not try salad dressing?, It would taste a lot better if the cable broke and hit you in the teeth.

I've been involved in a few winch fests (over 30 pulls in one trip) and must say synthetic rope is the only way to go. Nothing like unspooling 75 feet of rope and tossing it up a hill to the winch b**ch.

Vince

[w squared]

i use belt dressing on my synthetic, helps it unspool without squealing.

If you use belt dressing on your winch line I already know that you're probably running an Escalade on 31 inch boggers.

[Justink]

If you use belt dressing on your winch line I already know that you're probably running an Escalade on 31 inch boggers.

And what's wrong with that